Bayern Munich legend, Lothar Matthäus, has backed Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, saying the French winger’s trophy-laden campaign puts him ahead of the competition for football’s most prestigious individual award.
The former Germany captain believes Dembele’s success with PSG, particularly the club’s UEFA Champions League triumph, gives him a decisive edge in the race for the Golden Ball. Matthäus argued that individual brilliance is important, but major silverware often plays a defining role in Ballon d’Or voting, making Dembele his leading candidate to claim the honour for a second consecutive year.
Matthäus also dismissed the chances of Dembele’s France teammate, Kylian Mbappe, and Spain midfielder Rodri, insisting neither has done enough to emerge as the favourite this year.
Writing in his Sky Sports column, the Bayern Munich icon said: “Rodri was the commander of the FIFA World Cup-winning team, but I don’t think he will win the Ballon d’Or this year.
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“Due to Spain’s team performance, the competition is very open. I think Dembele has an advantage, having won the Champions League again with PSG.
“Mbappe was the top scorer in the FIFA World Cup, but he didn’t win any titles with Real Madrid. I would be surprised if he won the Ballon d’Or.”
Matthäus also highlighted Bayern Munich stars Michael Olise and Harry Kane among the standout performers of the season.
According to him, Olise enjoyed an outstanding campaign by finishing as the leading assist provider in both the Bundesliga and the FIFA World Cup, while Kane ended the season as the Bundesliga’s top scorer. He added that both players helped Bayern secure the domestic double and also reached the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, strengthening their credentials among the world’s elite performers.
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